Norway, Russia reach fisheries agreement for 2025 amid decreasing quotas

RUSSIA – Norway and Russia have finalised a significant fisheries agreement for 2025, focusing on the sustainable management of fish stocks in the Barents Sea. 

This deal is crucial for maintaining vital fish populations in the region, including cod, haddock, and blue halibut, despite ongoing geopolitical challenges linked to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

The agreement, which was concluded through digital negotiations, continues the longstanding and essential bilateral fisheries cooperation between the two countries. 

Norway’s Minister of Fisheries and Oceans, Marianne Sivertsen Næss, emphasised the importance of the deal in providing stability for the fishing industry during a period when fish stock quotas are being reduced. 

“This continuation of the management regime contributes to stability for the fishing industry at a time when quotas are decreasing on several important fish stocks,” Næss stated.

The 2025 cod quota has been set at its lowest level since 1991, illustrating the gravity of the situation. 

The total quota for North-East Arctic cod has been reduced by 25%, to 340,000 tonnes, with Norway receiving 163,436 tonnes. 

Other species also saw reductions, including haddock, which has a 130,000-tonne quota, and blue halibut, with a reduced quota of 19,000 tonnes. 

To protect the marine ecosystem, the capelin fishery will remain closed in 2025.

Næss explained that the reduced quotas reflect the necessity of curbing negative stock developments. 

“The quota has been sharply reduced because we want to stop the negative stock development,” she said, underlining the importance of the joint effort to ensure the future sustainability of the region’s fish stocks.

Despite the geopolitical backdrop, the fisheries agreement reflects continued collaboration, with both countries committing to joint scientific efforts. 

A Norwegian-Russian research program will continue into 2025, utilising internationally recognized stock assessment methods to improve management strategies. 

This program plays a critical role in shaping decisions on fish stock management and ensuring that quotas align with sustainable fishing practices.

The deal was met with support from Norway’s fishing industry, with Fiskebåt, the Norwegian fishing industry organization, recognizing the necessity of these reductions for long-term sustainability. 

Fiskebåt Chairman Christian Halstensen highlighted the importance of maintaining strict control over the catch limits to allow fish stocks to recover, ultimately ensuring that quotas can increase. 

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